Routine inspection·January 7, 2026

On 01/07/2025, at 10:31 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shane Loftus conducted an unannounced Annual/Random inspection of the above-mentioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Lisa Van Der Merwe, Director of the CCC and explained the purpose of the inspection. LPA in the company of the Director, toured the interior and exterior of the CCC. The CCC operates from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and is located on the grounds of Hillcrest Christian School. The CCC is combined with a infant program and utilizes six classrooms (Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) for child care services. LPA observed sixty-four (64) children along with seven (7) teachers providing care and supervision LPA observed required licensing forms posted prominently in the entry hallway of the CCC. The classrooms of the CCC are clean and organized. LPA observed age-appropriate toys and furnishings available for children. At 11:30 AM, LPA observed that Rooms 1 & 2 are providing care to a total of 10 preschool children (ages 2 to 3 years old). LPA notes that Rooms 1 & 2 are not licensed to provide care for Preschool children. LPA informed the Director that the CCC is required to notify the department of such changes prior to implementation. The bathrooms used by children in care are in safe and sanitary operating condition. LPA observed carbon monoxide detectors in each classroom of the CCC. A carbon monoxide detector was tested at 12:00 PM and found to be operable. Cont. 809-C Cleaning supplies, medications, and sharps were observed to be in areas of the classrooms that are accessible to staff but inaccessible to children in care. The CCC uses the Brightwheel application for Sign In/Out purposes. LPA reviewed a sampling of the records which contain the children's arrival and departure times along with entries from the children’s authorized representative. Snacks and lunch are provided by the parents of children in care. The CCC also has a café on site that the parents of children in care can order from when needed. Children have access to available drinking water both inside the classroom and outside in the play area. Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1- CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. The CCC's outdoor playground is separated into areas for children of differing ages. The outdoor area is fully enclosed, and the entry/exit points are secured. LPA observed age-appropriate toys/play equipment in the play area which are in suitable condition and the footing in the areas are varied. The play structures in the playground area have adequate cushioning material to absorb falls and there is shade available in the form of shade sails. No bodies of water were observed on site. A sample of staff and children’s records were reviewed. The children’s records are complete and found to contain emergency contact information, immunization records, and other required licensing forms. Staff records were reviewed and contain Mandated Reporter training, staff qualifications, and other required licensing documents. LPA notes the most recent emergency drill at the CCC was completed on 12/08/2025. Director noted no firearms or ammunition are stored on site. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided. Continued on 809-C Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience. If you have any questions regarding the process or CARE tools, please send email inquiries to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication. Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-carecenters/. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with facility representative and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep as an add itional resource. LPA also informed facility representative of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment. Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/d ay for a maximum of 5 days or, if the penalty is for a repeat violation, for a maximum of 30 days per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated. Facility representative was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Continued on 809-C A Type B deficiency is being cited based on LPA's observation pursuant to Title 22 of the CA Code of Regulations (refer to LIC 809-D). Licensee was provided with a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative, Lisa Van Der Werme.